Reward set for fitness center thieves’ identity
Published 1:30 am Friday, January 11, 2019
PORT ORCHARD — Two unidentified men entered Westcoast Fitness Jan. 2 with more on their minds than the benefits of exercise, Port Orchard Police Department reported earlier this month.
About 45 minutes after they entered the club at about 8:11 a.m., the pair departed on foot with $1,000 in cash stolen from a member’s wallet and numerous other wallets and items in the men’s locker room. According to Deputy Chief Dale Schuster, the men used fake names to get day passes to the gym.
The suspects entered the locker room, then changed into workout clothes. It was at that time they allegedly broke into secured lockers and rifled through the possessions.
“They were in there for 45 minutes, then they came out and they left,” manager Ethan Salo told officers. “We got a call from one of the members saying that their debit card and ID were stolen.”
Luckily for the affected members, the owner of the fitness center repaid the full amount of cash stolen from them, Schuster said. The members also were given three months’ free membership.
Police said the men are suspected of targeting other gyms, as well.
“I’m assuming this isn’t their first rodeo and they’ve done it to other fitness centers,” Schuster said.
Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound reported it will pay a cash reward of up to $1,000 to someone who is able to identify either suspect. Names, locations or any other information can be submitted at www.P3Tips.com or by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477).
